While analyzing and evaluating teams during free agency, Peyton Manning couldn't have predicted that the Broncos would romp on a nine-game winning streak or that Denver would clinch a spot in the playoffs early in December.

But Manning was certain of one thing. In that brotherhood of quarterbacks, one of the kingpins would be available in an office upstairs in case Manning needed some advice.

"It's pretty well documented how I feel about John Elway; as an NFL quarterback he was one of my favorites," Manning said Wednesday during his weekly interview session at Dove Valley.

"For a quarterback, he's still a good resource. He and I talk about playing in the NFL — different teams, different stadiums. Sometimes it's about little things. The sun sets certain times in home games and if you throw certain routes, you want to know where the sun sets. It's those little things."

And to relieve the stress, Elway can needle Manning about threatening many of No. 7's team records. This season, Manning already has posted eight games with an NFL passer rating of 100 or more. Elway (1993, 1997) and Craig Morton (1981) held the previous team record of seven.

Manning's 31 touchdown passes topped the former Broncos single-season record of 27 that was held by Elway (1997) and Jake Plummer (2004).

And having thrown for 4,016 yards this season, Manning needs just 15 more to move past Elway (4,030 in 1993) and into third place in the Broncos record book behind Jay Cutler (4,526 in 2008) and Plummer (4,089 in 2004).

Manning said Wednesday that he doesn't compare statistics with players of other eras because offenses differ. He's just glad Elway is right down the hall, so to speak.

"From a repetition standpoint, John played at my age," said Manning, 36. "He has shared some things that worked for him. He's been a great resource for me as a quarterback.